A Week Camping Alone on the Notorious Sixth Great Lake 

*Many are commenting what they feel is the "sixth Great Lake" so let's break this down:* -The official Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, Erie) are not called that because they're necessarily the five biggest. -There are lakes bigger than Ontario and Erie in Canada alone, and more globally -They're grouped together because of their size AND connectivity. They're all part of the Great Lakes watershed. -Some have suggested Lake Champlain which is much smaller than Nipigon and flows into the St. Lawrence, after the Great Lakes. -Others say Lake Winnipeg, Great Slave, or Great Bear, none of which are part of the Great Lakes watershed which is fundamental to the term/grouping. -Some say Lake St Clair because it's bigger which is untrue---Nipigon is much larger and deeper. St Clair had to be dredged for commercial traffic. Like I said in the first few seconds, "some call it the sixth Great Lake." It's not an official title so let's just agree that all of these are amazing waterbodies :)

Jon deserves an award. This is art. No other channel comes close. Hands down the best solo filmmaker I have ever seen.

You are my “National Geographic“😉. Thank you! Awesome videos.

Your camera work is stunning. I felt as if I was there. Thank you for this. It was a glorious getaway and I had a wonderful time.

Wow. This was a gift to watch. The Aurora was the best I think I've ever seen on film. The transitions, quiet moments, where all is heard is ripple of the water as you float down what looks like a glass lake, skirting the shore drenched in Autumn watercolor. Stunning. All of it. Bravo. 👏🏼

Congratulations Jon, you're now making me cry during your videos. Your ability to make me feel like I'm there with you is emotional and blowing me away. I'm an OG that has watched ALL your videos. For the love of god, please stay safe and keep doing this forever.

You nail these what I would call at this point “short films.” The narration, the footage, the music and the editing are top notch. You are truly in you own class when it comes to this content. It’s been fun to watch you grow and get better at this craft over the past year or so. Can’t wait for winter!! Hopefully all the hard work and talent has paid off for you financially.

Wow thanks for reminding me of my own memories in Canadian wilderness. Here in my closing chapters of life, I'm reminded how lucky I am to have returned to CND and how proud I am of my country. The beauty and pristine of our country must be appreciated, experienced and protected at all cost. The Canadian Shield has some of the oldest rocks in the world, cleanest waters, shores and beautiful skies. I'm glad I found your channel. I shall live threw you...quietly 😊

I am an armchair traveler so I watch many of travel/adventure vids to satisfy my wanderlust. THIS is one of the best ever:exceptional photography/drone shots appreciated that he, "showed us" where he was going along the way and the thought process influencing his choice of routes, wind conditions etc.. The aurora bourealis and bear crossing ...AMAZING - Best in Class!

Jon, No words are amazing enough to describe how fantastic your videos make me feel. I've prescibed myself 7 days of Mountain, Forest, Lochs and Islands in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, my Medicine. Thank you for your Wonderful Expeditions its truly a privilege to join you on the Journey 🙏🙏🙏 When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

The last time I was at Nipigon the lake was mirror glass like. The overcast reflected off the lake where you could not tell heaven from earth...it was surreal. It is something I will never forget.

You make Canadians feel so privileged to live in the most beautiful country on earth!

I was born in Ontario but live in the US with my American husband and your video brought me home again to the raw beauty and majesty I miss so much. Even just the call of those loons hit a chord in me. You are so like my own personality and I feel such a kinship. Your work has touched me so deeply. Thank you!

As you say to each fish, I try to post to each of your videos: Thank you! Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is so appreciated. Your storytelling is such a respite sometimes.

This, this has got to be one of the best things ive ever seen on RU-vid, it feels like a professional production not just a RU-vidr with a camera

As an aging urbanite it was wonderful to be able to take part in this adventure even if only vicariously. It is pleasure to watch a person who knows well what he is doing. It is also fun to see how the state of the art in technology plays its part. Finally, I feel renewed in spirit and hopeful for a future of people who are attuned with nature and will carry on. (From Tampa, Florida)

A fellow I knew in the 70s finished a thousand mile, 100 day canoe trip by island hopping down the middle of Lake Nipigon. They were forced to stop on a marginal islet in the middle and pitched their tent on the best spot near the shore. As the waves kept building, they had to move their tent two more times until they were perched right on top of the rock. He told me that the place where they first pitched the tent didn’t come above water for three days! I’ve heard the lake can spawn three meter waves.

What a fierce and beautiful place. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster. From fear oof the bear, snake, wind, and waves to pure peaceful bliss of the scenery, campsites, and northern lights. I've watched your videos for years and never felt such strong emotions. What a superior episode.

This is the only channel that really captivates the beauty of Canada, and the reasons to explore its lakes and seemingly endless forests are as vast as this beautiful country. My grandfather told me stories of his travels across Canada, working in various provinces and territories. Hearing his stories and seeing the smile each of them put on his face inspired me to be in every Canadian province and territory at least once. He’s now 89, I’m 32 and I’m more than halfway to my goal. Thanks for reminding me why exploring Canada is worth every dollar, every minute, and every ounce of energy.

How inspiring that you go and do ALONE what other people would be scared to do in a group! Being alone takes practice, but once you master it the freedom is indescribable. What a beautiful life you have created for yourself.

I awoke early this morning and this video was just there on my phone. I started watching and it became like a dream to me I have never been so captivated by a video. I love fishing and nature. Jon deserves an award for such amazing work ! I'm 60 yrs old and in tough shape recovering from injury. But I dream of making a trip like this not sure if it will ever be possible because of my injuries but I've been inspired to work hard and there's always hope. From the land of ten thousand lakes Canada is my neighbor. God bless Jon Happy trails and good fishing always sincerely Record 🎣🌲🍍

“Good thinking time”. That moment when you described chaos vs order. And the time in wilderness as “medicine” was spot on. I’ve always struggled explaining to people why I go on solo camping and backpacking trips. Now I have them watch this video and say “watch minutes 28:18 to 30:00 and you will understand”. Bravo Jon, well said and well done. I am so happy to have discovered your channel.

I live on the southern shore of Lake Ontario....definitely flat land area. I have always been interested in learning about the Great Lakes and to learn about Lake Nipigon and to see the beautiful scenery was amazing. Thank you for showing us the beautiful nature you encountered.

I once fished Lake Nipigon in south bay. Caught a huge lake trout. When I got it up to the boat my legs went weak from seeing the size of it. When it saw me it just broke the line and swam away. At night we slept in a camper owned by the late Hugh MacDonald from Thunder bay . He was with us. The no-seeums got in through the screens at night. I sprayed Raid inside my sleeping bag I was so frustrated. Hugh had been a train engineer and on one of his runs, the railroad bridge got washed out at Nipigon. He was able to jump off just before it went over the edge. He told me that he could see the light of the engine still operating in the deep dark waters below. It is quite an amazing Lake. Lots of people from Finland live around there because it apparently reminds them of home. They were building lots of Sauanas. This was in the late 1970`s. Good video. Thanks for awakening these memories for me. I miss northern Ontario now that I have watched your video.

Jon, that was outstanding. What an epic trip. The decision to paddle out under the stars was both brave and beautiful. Cheers.

Aurora was priceless Jon….the whole trip with superb filming technique - PRICELESS!

Stunning nature views, informative, entertaining narratives. Skilled, intimate production! I was transported out of my home, into your adventures once more. Thank you for the virtual trip!

If it wasn't for guys like you I wouldn't know such places even existed. Incredible.

This Floridian fell in love with the Great Lakes back in the late 80's when I was stationed in Northern Minnesota while serving in the Coast Guard. I ended up spending 26 years around the area before returning "home" to Florida. We explored several areas in Ontario over the years, but I never made it to Lake Nipigon. Thanks for taking me there today. This is the first video I've seen of yours, but it certainly will not be the last. I can't find the words to accurately describe how impressed I am with everything that I've seen and heard... the footage, the editing, the sounds (love the loons). Wow. Incredible work.

This is amazing work. But what people may not realize is the extremely hard work of filming it all. Camera setup. Filming a movie. Then you go back to pick up your camera and clean myself up again. And then edit it all together. I myself have recently started making videos about bushcraft, so I really understand how hard it is. A beautifully made video shows that you really love what you do. Greetings from Belarus!

Started watching your videos at the beginning of my burnout almost a year ago when I was desperate to find some relaxation on those nights I just couldn't sleep. They have been my most reliable go to for relaxation ever since.

Just came upon this video, I am so envious of your youth, bravery, honesty, and your adventure! The photographer in me would have stayed at that third night camp for days!!

Hello. My wife and I are retired and we want to thank you so much for sharing these wonderful experiences with us and everyone else. This is the only way for alot of people like ourselves that can ever experience something like this because we are not able to do it. So this is great just to be able too watch it. You are a fantastic solo film artist. We will be watching more your videos, thank you so much. Oh. Forgot too mention we are new to yor channel. Best regards , Tommy and Bonita.

Your trips are one of a kind, Jon! Your narrating, filming, editing, musical accompaniment, all of it; fantastic as usual! Your thoughts on the evening of day 3 resonate very deep with me. I, too, have a strong sense of order. I am a planner. I do okay rolling with the punches sometimes, but I need order in my life. If that is disrupted, I have a hard time adjusting. Like your long canoe trips, I do regular long (4+ days) motorcycle trips up and down the east coast of the US. I have my routes planned out and usually include rest & lunch stops. I typically do not waiver from my routes at all. But my wife, she's quite the opposite, she doesn't like to plan and wings most things. My planning, often times, even annoys her. But we both bring a bit of balance to each other, thankfully. I get your planning, I get your need for solitude. I digress....back to your trip. Dude, those lights on night 3 were phenomenal!! I hope that one day I can witness them in all their glory like you did!! Thanks for another wonderful journey. Until next time....Cheers!!

Just discovered these solo camping videos. They're fascinating, mesmerizing. Your cadence and calm demeanor explaining how and why you do things is wonderful. The serenity of it all and the ever-present peril offset by the due diligence taken to stay safe is inspiring and breathtaking. Thanks for bringing us on your journeys to a world away from the concrete and glass of everyday life.

What a beautiful trip! This brings back memories for me. I grew up in Michigan but took canoe trip vacations in Ontario with my family when I was in junior high and high school. Such stunning, serene, and familiar surroundings.

Those parts with the stars and the northern lights were jawdropping! Thank you Jon. greetings from Holland👍

Certainly appears as though you dispelled the bad reputation John! This video was one of if not the best video you have produced to date! Absolutely amazing northern light shows!!! Well done John!

What a discovery of journey. Your native filmmaking talents are bleeding through everywhere. Your background music so perfect. Keep up the great work Jon.

1:02:30 Literally looks like you’re paddling a canoe in space. So beautiful 😮

I am from Mississippi. We had zero scenery this spectacular. You are a good film maker.

It's not just your amazing filmmaking and narration Jon, it's your philosophy of solitude and Being. That we're all just canoe-trippin' through this life. And know that your predicament of needing solitude is shared many, me definitely being one of them. Thanks for taking us along! :)

Honestly, every story you post and share is more beautiful than the last. You truly are an artist!

That's as wild as it gets. I feel like a solo trip like this cleanses the soul.

Another fantastic video. In my 70th year, you take me where my bad knees and shoulders won't allow me to go anymore. Your videos take me there. Thank you for that. I too felt uneasy for you when I saw the boat with 3 guys in it. However, when I saw the bear I just grinned. BTW, this trip took a lot balls, especially paddling at night.

You've been killin it with the footage, John. Amazing stuff.

Beautiful Jon! Really enjoyable! Perfect balance of sharing the feeling of the experience with the information of what and how your doing it while all feeling super natural. Loved the shots and the storytelling.

Sitting in my car on a wet and dark winter afternoon waiting for my wife who is at the dentist. These adventures are always great, but maybe even better when summer is still far away. The scenery is breathtaking and the narrative is perfect. Precise and descriptive but never babbling. Wish I would experience something similar one day before to late.

An exceptional trip, wonderfully photographed! I've always been drawn to mountainous wildernesses more than flat lands and broad waters; but Jon's journeys, along with those of Xander Budnick and other RU-vid video producers who bring us along on their adventures in the boreal country still speak to my love of the wilderness remaining on this extraordinarily beautiful planet. Jon's videos convey the most ethereally spiritual feel of any I have had the privilege of watching to date!

It always amazes me how effortlessly bears swim through the water

As one Canadian to another, great cinematogrophy! I usually watch these before I go to sleep. I like the cooking segments the best. 😋

This film...what a tall drink of cool water for my parched soul. Utterly divine. Well done. Thank you so much.

I love your videos Jon. I'll say it again, you are an artist that fishes and camps.

Absolutely incredible trip! You capture the adventure, the beauty and the amazement of every place you visit ❤ just fantastic Jon.

Thank you for taking everyone along on this trip. This is the most calming time watching your video. It's absolutely the best and my new go to video when I have a tough day.

Recovering from a major back surgery. I have only been in my boat once since May. I really appreciate being able to unwind and enjoy your trip with you.

Beautifully and wonderfully put together Jon ... Your desire for solitude and connection with both the miniscule and the infinitely vast is a gift to the world... Can't thank you enough for your efforts 💯

Your attention to detail when filming and editing makes all the difference. Others are hard to watch because of wind noise and volume changes. Everything flows so well and camera captures are just the right length. Music you choose adds so much.

I absolutely treasure your productions. Nothing quite like it! Nothing gives me more peace on RU-vid. Nothing. Your appreciation for nature is deep and it shows in your cinematography. Thank you!

Jon your summer videos are the best antidepressants I have come across. Thanks so much for doing this, watching nature in all its majestic beauty really takes the edge off like nothing else

This trip was full of everything that is beautiful about nature, the Aurora in particular starting at 30:00 wow, spectacular!!! I appreciate all the work you put into making these videos happen Jon thank you.

What an incredible trip and a beauty lake this was. Just so much to enjoy, the islands, the sandy beaches, tall rock cliffs, fall colors, super nice Aurora Borealis light show and water that was so alive. Please go back and takes us with you. Thank you for introducing me to Nipigon lake.

Better than any TV program, the northen lights at 30:10 spectacular!!!!

This is absolutely the best video I have ever seen on RU-vid. Thank you Jon for sharing such a magical experience of this wild and wonderful place that most people will never get to experience.

Absolutely beautiful. The Aurora, scenery, photography, & night paddle...all amazing!

Just awe inspiring. What a lake. What a journey! You absolutely nailed it. Well done.

Incredible. Your ability to capture the moment on film, your respect for all things natural, your drive to expand your tripping Boundaries, the fishing, your words of wisdom…. All this, and you crack open a Smirnoff….I’ve lost all respect. Kidding, thanks as always.

Alot of people don't understand why one would want to go into wilderness by themselves. I tell them it feeds the essence of my being. It connects me to my primal roots. Some of us need that and some don't I guess. And there's the getting away from people part of it too. Lol

So enjoyed this peaceful canoeing! Thank you for showing this beautiful part of the world 🌎 💜

Thank you for this video! I totally agree with your reaction to human presence vs wildlife. I have done a lot of backpacking in the Rockies (as well as canoeing many places). I have found animal behaviour far more predictable than human. I have often said I would rather encounter a bear than a human on the trail. All my interactions with wildlife have been, if not always comfortable, at least manageable. Human interactions I have found often stressful and put me in more danger than I like. e.g. campers sharing a campsite without using proper bear-aware habits like hanging their pack, hikers lost on the trail who want me to guide them out, or without proper food, who then ask me for mine. Campers who use equipment improperly like gas stoves with flames three feet high threatening to burn down the forest. The worst: hikers with dogs off leash in grizzly bear territory. So yeah, I'm with you on the whole bears over people thing. People are more likely to be ill-prepared, dangerous, emotionally unpredictable, and making demands on me for help when I am in a minimalist situation myself. Be safe.

That time lapse you did with your camera on the night sky was simply the most beautiful thing I've ever seen ❤

Holy cow that aurora!!! As someone who lives roughly 2,200 kilometers south of there… the northern lights barely seem like a real thing to me. Seeing them is a bucket list item… and what you captured is exactly what I would want to see! The tricky part is I can plan a week long trip and Mother Nature not play nice… so makes it hard to want to commit that money 😅

Thanks for bringing us all along. This speaks to a longing of solitude in the wilderness that is in my heart.

Halfway through watching. I feel calm, inspired, curious, awe, and more. As a strange coincidence, I was looking at the map yesterday and wondering about Nipigon. I'm a map geek so this isn't that much of a coincidence, but still what a delight to watch. Thank you so much for sharing yet another amazing adventure!

Wow! This is what I’m talking about concerning your videos. Beautiful sunsets etc. The sound of the birds! Thanks for letting us see! Yours are very treasurable,Thank-you again,just perfect!

Well done young man. You brought back some 40 yo memories. The loons, the northern lights, man I wish I was young again.

Wow... just wow. I have watched them all... and you have had some amazing videos over the years... but I think this is one of my favorites. You continue to elevate your art to new levels Jon. It's an absolute pleasure to watch you create these videos. You are able to beautifully capture the essence of a place so well. Thank you for sharing.

Wow! What an amazing film Jon. The Northern Lights, the bear/eagles, and just amazing expanse and beauty of that lake.... Absolutely stunning. Thank you💜

I would love to do this, but in a small, homecrafted sailboat. The nice thing about canoeing tho is you get to stick much closer to the shoreline, whereas with a sailboat cus you sorta have to play with the wind and have room to maneuver, you dont quite get to sit right there, almost under the shadow of the trees. This, this was gorgeous

At my age, I will never get to go on such an arduous trip, but thank you so much for sharing your experience. The aurora shots were amazing, your cinematography is wonderful. Thank you!

Many comments echo my thoughts on this one ..Jon, you are truly a gifted filmmaker. How far you've come! Incredible really. Please keep doing your thing. All good things ahead 🙂

Move over Marlin Perkins! Jon’s Wild Kingdom is capturing the imagination of thousands of viewers worldwide. Jon, once again, “Thank You”!! I was with you on this trip. I hope I didn’t slow you down, but I was definitely there. Watching the sunrise drip off of your wooden paddle made me cry. Your commentary on how are you are wired with a deep need for solitude and how the human element sometimes disrupts your private world, hit me right between the eyes. And indeed, these trips are the best medicine. I too have to take that in doses. I find myself longing for the solitude and another trip more than ever before. Thank you brother. Godspeed.

Thank you for sharing ❤

I watch a lot of hiking/ camping/ solo outdoor videos... but this one is on another level. Very well done. You do indeed have a photographers eye. Perfect.

Another beautiful story told about a stunningly beautiful trip. Thanks again Jon!

Thank you for this.

Beautiful video and thank you

What a magical movie , yes yes , its more than a video , there's so much emotions that comes out everytime , you are a very talented movie maker 🙏 . I have the same fear of strangers when I'm in a remote region, I think its because humans are more unpredictible than animals . Thanks again Jon , you make my day after a hard working day

Beautiful footage, Jon...I'd never even heard of this "sixth" Great Lake. I look forward to more trips where Erin can join you, I hope she has the time in her schedule. You two are such a great couple.

Love the channel, Jon. Amazing to see all the beautiful places you share with us. Keep up the great work and stay safe!

Amazing trip, thankyou

Hi Jon, truly magical. Such a beautiful piece of Canadian wilderness. Well done

Just discovered your channel through this video. Awesome stuff. Your love and respect for nature is apparent throughout. Great work. Sub'd

Absolutely amazing!

I always miss Erin when she isn't with you, but these separations probably make you stronger as a couple. You really do seem perfect together and I hope and pray that your lives are full of adventure, but also time of peace and reflection. Thanks for taking me along with your outstanding cinematography and commentary. I have enjoyed your trips many times.

Love your narrative on these trips Jon. Your introduction was foreboding and set the stage for an epic journey. Thanks for posting and sharing your adventures.

Amazing videography!! 👏 Bravo missio. I feel the same, with animals, you know their intent and behavior. With humans, there is always an ulterior motive. I chose to help and rescue animals. I haven't lost hope in humanity, I still have 1% faith.

Thank you! Beautiful!

Excellent! Top notch!!

What a wonderful video and a fine narrative. Your videos are excellent in all respects. I have to say I was filled with anxiety about your safety and success on the final day (after you lost the paddle), so I can't imagine what it was like for you. You made the lake come alive. Thanks so much.